Turkish Airlines targets 20 percent capacity growth in Asia-Pacific

International

Asian routes now generate 32 percent of the carrier’s revenue as additional wide-body capacity strengthens connections between Asia, Australia and Europe

Turkish Airlines plans to increase its flight frequencies in the Asia-Pacific region by up to 20 percent in the coming years, further strengthening Istanbul’s role as a connecting hub between Asia, Australia and Europe. The carrier intends to add second and third daily services to selected destinations as demand shifts towards Asian markets.

The strategy has gained momentum following recent tensions in the Middle East. Turkish Airlines redirected wide-body aircraft to destinations including Japan, China, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, adding 58 weekly passenger flights and 61 cargo services. Asia has consequently become the airline’s largest region by revenue.

China expansion moves ahead of schedule

Turkish Airlines currently serves 358 destinations in 133 countries, according to Murat Seker, board chair of the airline. China is one of the principal markets targeted for further expansion.

The carrier has added ten flights this year, bringing its China schedule to 42 weekly services. Existing traffic rights would allow this figure to rise to 49.

Frequencies to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have already been increased earlier than originally planned. Turkish Airlines is also preparing to launch Chengdu services in November, while Urumqi is another planned destination.

The expansion forms part of a broader effort to establish what Seker described in an interview with Nikkei Asia as an alternative second corridor linking Asia and Australia with Europe.

Asia overtakes Europe in revenue share

The shift in capacity is already visible in Turkish Airlines’ financial figures. Asian routes accounted for 32 percent of revenue, an increase of five percentage points, putting the region ahead of Europe at 27 percent.

Asia’s share of total passenger traffic also increased from ten to 12 percent. Connecting traffic between Africa and Asia jumped by 70 percent, while passenger flows between Eastern Europe and Asia rose by 40 percent, supported by shorter connections using Russian airspace.

Turkish Airlines also expanded its overall customer base by around five percent with new passengers during the second quarter and increased its market share by approximately one percentage point.

Second-quarter revenue reaches $7.2 billion

The additional Asian capacity contributed to a 20.5 percent year-on-year increase in second-quarter revenue to $7.2 billion. Passenger revenue grew by 15 percent, while cargo revenue surged by 58 percent.

For the first half of 2026, total revenue increased by 20.8 percent to $13.1 billion.

The growth came despite higher costs associated with tensions in the Middle East. Increased jet fuel prices added around $1.3 billion to expenses, while total conflict-related costs reached approximately $2.1 billion.

Japan and Southeast Asia offer further growth

Japan is another focus of the expansion. Turkish Airlines currently operates 25 weekly flights to the country and aims to increase frequencies with the help of newly acquired traffic rights involving Singapore and Vietnam.

The relationship with Japan extends beyond passenger traffic. Japanese investors currently finance around 20 percent of Turkish Airlines’ aircraft leasing requirements. Over the past two decades, they have financed more than 100 aircraft worth approximately $9 billion.

Seker sees further potential for the airline in the region. “We are just starting to tap into” the opportunities created by stronger traffic flows between Asia and Turkish Airlines’ wider international network.

Nonstop Australia flights planned for 2028

Australia is also expected to become more closely integrated into the network. Turkish Airlines plans to introduce nonstop flights to Sydney and Melbourne in 2028.

The economics of these very long routes are expected to be supported partly by revenue from long-haul Premium Economy cabins. The nonstop services would complement the carrier’s existing Australian operations while strengthening Istanbul’s position as a transfer point for traffic between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond expanding its own network, Turkish Airlines is examining international joint ventures in Asia and South America. Potential investments could involve stakes of between 30 and 50 percent and cover passenger operations, cargo and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services.